Herbal Medicine Containing Licorice May Be Contraindicated for a Patient with an HSD11B2 Mutation
2011

Licorice and HSD11B2 Mutation: A Risk for Hypertension

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Harahap Indra Sari Kusuma, Sasaki Naoko, Gunadi, Yusoff Surini, Lee Myeong Jin, Morikawa Satoru, Nishimura Noriyuki, Sasaki Tomohiro, Usuki Seiichiro, Hirai Midori, Ohta Mika, Takaoka Yutaka, Nishimoto Takashi, Nishio Hisahide

Primary Institution: Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine

Hypothesis

Can licorice ingestion combined with an HSD11B2 mutation lead to hypertension?

Conclusion

Licorice ingestion can cause hypertension in patients with an HSD11B2 mutation.

Supporting Evidence

  • Licorice ingestion inhibits the enzyme activity of 11βHSD2, leading to hypertension.
  • The patient had a missense mutation in the HSD11B2 gene.
  • The patient experienced hypertension after consuming licorice despite no prior history of hypertension.

Takeaway

If someone has a specific gene mutation and eats licorice, it might make their blood pressure go really high.

Methodology

The study involved a case report of a 51-year-old female patient who ingested licorice and was found to have a mutation in the HSD11B2 gene.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

The participant was a 51-year-old female with a history of postmenopausal syndrome.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/ecam/nep211

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